Tips for Bougie on A Budget AfroTech Conference Experience
AfroTech Conference is truly a vibe and cultural moment for us Young, Educated and Black women. According to the website, Afrotech Conference is the largest Black tech conference of the year with a global community of 20,000+ Black tech innovators during a series of digital and in-person events filled with dynamic programming on emerging trends, networking opportunities with industry leaders and conversations with top tech recruiters. It will be held on November 1-5, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
I went last year and had a memorable and exhilarating time. It felt like a grown HBCU experience filled with educated Black women and men. Granted, the tickets are expensive (cheapest ticket is $775) but worth it. Here’s some tips on experiencing AfroTech as a bougie on a budget girl:
Ask your job to sponsor your attendance.
While I networked and talked to many Black tech and nontech goers, most asked their jobs to sponsor their ticket and the job obliged. These jobs included software developers, marketing, engineers, and edtech. Many jobs will sponsor your ticket or reimburse you for ticket and travel expenses. This conference can be used for professional development. Afrotech Conference website provides a email template to send to your manager.
Go to Free events at AfroTech Conference
I actually did not buy a ticket last year to the actual conference. My friends and I were more interested in networking and finding the mens than professional development. We signed up for the app which gave the lineup of all the free networking events before, during, and after the conference. We stalked the lineup, agreed on the events, and signed up. At times, we went to separate events based on our interests. There were a plethora of FREE events with food and we felt accomplished for what our goals were.
3. Split hotel costs with friends
My friends who lived in Dallas joined me at AfroTech. We shared the hotel costs which helped us save money on accommodation in Austin. There’s lots of hotels that is partnering with AfroTech such as W Hotel for about $350/night. I would also opt for airbnb exclusive home for $300 per person if you have a group of 5. I personally like the airbnb idea because you get to cook and have some new friends over.
4. Create QR Code cards for Networking
So my friends and I winged it last year and did not come to the networking events fully prepared. Most people had QR code cards for networking. The QR codes automatically connected you with their social media and contact information. Some of these cards were just mobile. I thought this was tech-saavy and efficient. I scrambled to give out my information while the people I met were ready to connect. Create your mobile QR code with all your information or an actual card.
5. Content Creator
Every event I go to, I make it an opportunity to create content and this was the perfect place to create content. So many people willing to participate in your content creation. The free google space was available last year to build content as well. This space really highlighted Black women and the power of Black women. I was truly inspired. I look forward to using this space again. Based on your content, you can collaborate with other content creators and techies. Use this as opportunity to collaborate and get your brand out there.
**Bonus
AfroTech is meant to be a networking opportunity for those who are interested in seeking a tech position and those already in tech. It is also great networking to meet like minded, educated Black men and women. I met many people from different states and countries (including Ghana). It was amazing to hear experiences and vibe with like minded people. Do not be shy. Practice greeting people and asking interesting questions. AfroTech is just not for the techies but also for the creatives. It is the space to learn, have fun, and build new friendships and business ventures.
Start planning your AfroTech Experience now, even if you can only visit and go to the free events, it is worth the flight and hotel. Explore Austin as well.